Ronda KOs UFC: Rousey Blasts UFC For Unfair Pay Amid MMA Comeback Announcement

Last Updated:March 11, 2026, 20:43 IST

Rousey announced her return to MMA, as she prepares a fight against Gina Carano on May 16, which will be streamed on Netflix.

Ronda Rousey didn’t hold back as she announced her long-awaited return to MMA on Tuesday, using the moment to launch a scathing critique of the UFC and its treatment of fighters.

The 39-year-old former champion confirmed she will return to the cage on May 16, facing fellow MMA pioneer Gina Carano in a bout that will stream live on Netflix.

Rousey Takes Her Swipe At UFC

But instead of focusing solely on the fight, Rousey turned the spotlight on the financial struggles many fighters face under the UFC banner.

“It used to be that UFC was the best place you could come in combat sports to make a living and be paid fairly," Rousey said at the launch press conference.

“And now it’s one of the worst places to go."

Rousey, who made history as the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in judo, claiming bronze at the 2008 Beijing Games, said she has grown increasingly frustrated with how the organisation treats its athletes.

“A lot of them (fighters), at the ground level, can’t even support their families," she said.

“They’re living at poverty level, fighting full-time. And this company just got 7.7 billion dollars. They’re thinking about the next quarter. They’re thinking about the shareholders."

Rousey was referring to the organisation’s seven-year broadcast deal with Paramount, worth $7.7 billion, which will make the company the exclusive U.S. broadcaster for UFC events and replace the traditional pay-per-view model starting in January.

Paul Throws In A Jab As Well

Jake Paul, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, also took aim at the organisation.

“I believe the UFC is dying, and MVP is here to take over," Paul said.

“I believe we have a massive opportunity here to disrupt the whole space and to put fighters first, get them the pay that they deserve."

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